Lawmaker: Viaduct tunnel ‘a perfect solution’

OLYMPIA – Aside from concerns about various components of the proposed finance plan for a viaduct tunnel, House Transportation Chairwoman Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, was generally supportive of the deep-bore tunnel.

“It’s a perfect solution for us,” she said.

Clibborn said the Speaker Frank Chopp, D- Seattle, wanted to fully vet all the options but also that he had would be open to the idea.

“He has told me that he is not necessarily against it,” she said. “I think he is much more deeply concerned about he (operating) budget.”

As for the broader plan, Clibborn said the state’s investment would be clearly defined.

“We are going to do (pay for) the tunnel, the rest is up to them,” she said.

And finding the money for that could be difficult, she said.
“King County has hit the limit on their ability to fund transit,” she said.
In order to raise more money for the County’s share of the plan, the Legislature would have to authorize new taxing authority.

Prior to the new viaduct plan, new legislation was already being drafted to provide new taxing authority for King County transit. Clibborn said she was supportive of the idea but unsure whether it would win adequate support in the House.

The City has also proposed taxing district to help cover the costs, Clibborn said, support
for that is also in question.

“I think the governor is going to ask us … (for that legislation),” she said.